Telecoms networks and broadband communications
Broadband communications and telecoms networks have been key enablers for the internet revolution and for organisations using the web to deliver new online services. Broadband is key to the UK's economic success and competiveness, and the roll out of superfast, fibre-based networks to deliver the next generation of services has become a political and technological issue, especially for rural networks on the wrong side of the digital divide. We analyse the implications and opportunities for IT managers as broadband adoption continues to grow.
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News
24 Apr 2024
UK altnets claim to outpace Openreach in UK fibre
Research from Independent Networks Cooperation Association finds that despite challenges, alternative broadband providers enjoyed robust growth in 2023 Continue Reading
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News
19 Apr 2024
Nexfibre reaches million premises ready for service benchmark
Months after commitment to billion-pound investment in broadband infrastructure across the course of 2024, UK wholesale provider claims massive milestone in plan to deliver full-fibre gigabit network to five million premises by 2026 Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2021
BT removes mobile data charges for BBC Bitesize educational content
As part of a broader partnership between the UK’s public broadcaster and its incumbent telco, hugely popular and award-winning BBC Bitesize programming slot is to be zero rate for all EE, BT Mobile and PlusNet Mobile customers Continue Reading
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News
11 Jan 2021
Used smartphone sales to dial in near double-digit growth in 2020
Research shows refurbished and used devices continue to provide cost-effective alternatives for businesses looking to save money when buying a smartphone Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2021
BT offers unlimited data for remote learning
UK incumbent telco joins campaign to make sure disadvantaged children can get connected as Covid-19 lockdown closes schools and other educational establishments Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2021
‘Litany’ of UK government failures in gigabit broadband roll-out
Second UK MPs’ report in matter of weeks slams government for dismal failure and lack of sufficient progress in meeting already scaled-back benchmark for gigabit-capable connectivity by 2025 Continue Reading
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News
08 Jan 2021
EXFO forms full-fibre testing initiative with Openreach
BT broadband provision division to deploy permanent full-fibre monitoring technology to assist in programme to deliver broadband across UK homes Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Five million UK households paying £804m more than they should for broadband
Significant number of UK householders won’t switch broadband networks for fear of losing their connection or the perceived hassle of switching, but many are left paying too much, research shows Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Vodafone announces free data schemes for small business
As research shows the strain on business from Covid, UK communications operator announces programme to offer free high-speed connectivity Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Jeremy Darroch steps down as Sky Group chief executive
Exec who transformed former satellite TV provider into Europe’s largest multi-platform communications provider with mobile, telephony and FTTH steps down after 13 years Continue Reading
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News
07 Jan 2021
Iskratel top of the world with Potosí fibre-optic deployment
GPON broadband network deployed to meet the needs of thousands of residents in the highest city in the world Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2021
Qualcomm appoints new CEO
Claiming validation of its business model and leadership in 5G, the communications chip giant appoints successor to retiring chief executive with brief to drive value Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2021
Viasat checks in with Delta to boost in-air connectivity
US airline adds next-generation Ka-band satellite technology to mainline fleet to help modernise how passengers stay connected and enjoy content during travel Continue Reading
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News
06 Jan 2021
Operators join UK government’s kids’ mobile access scheme
UK mobile operators join scheme to help families that need access to connectivity to support their child’s learning needs during the latest lockdown, while BCS calls for free mobile access to education sites Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2021
euNetworks rounds on The Loop Manchester
Bandwidth infrastructure company enhances footprint with unique routes, extra capacity and flexibility with dedicated high-speed fibre-optic network in northern powerhouse Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2021
Ooredoo Group expands Ericsson 5G tech agreement
New agreement promises new functionalities with faster time-to-market and enhancements to the digital experience for people, enterprises and industries across operating companies in 10 countries Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2021
Qualcomm expands 5G capabilities of Snapdragon 480 mobile devices
Enhanced mobile platform line claimed to be able to accelerate global 5G commercialisation and deliver ‘series-defying’ features to mass-volume smartphone segment Continue Reading
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News
05 Jan 2021
SKT and AWS debut 5G edge cloud service
SK Telecom’s multi-access edge computing service will let enterprises build low latency applications that make use of AWS cloud services Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2021
Ericsson to power DTAC 5G network in Thailand
Almost half of Thailand’s 70 million population to be served by a new 5G radio access network from leading local communications service provider DTAC Continue Reading
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News
04 Jan 2021
Openreach takes the strain as broadband usage more than doubles in 2020
In what it says is a year like no other, BT broadband provision division reveals added infrastructure pressures from “new normal” Continue Reading
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News
31 Dec 2020
Top 10 networking stories of 2020
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 networking stories of 2020 Continue Reading
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News
30 Dec 2020
Top 10 telecoms and mobile stories of 2020
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 telecoms and mobile stories of 2020 Continue Reading
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News
24 Dec 2020
EU looks to enter broadband space race
European Union looks to extend communications frontier through consortium examining the design, development and launch of a European-owned space-based communications system Continue Reading
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News
24 Dec 2020
Digital infrastructure flourishes in 2020
Study from co-operative trade association for next-generation broadband services notes increased industry investment and roll-out growth, marking a significant year for network infrastructure Continue Reading
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News
24 Dec 2020
New contractors appointed to roll out fibre broadband across Devon and Somerset
Airband, Truespeed and Wessex Internet selected to roll out full-fibre networks on behalf of the Connecting Devon and Somerset (CDS) programme Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2020
What experts say to expect from 5G in 2021
In this roundup of networking blogs, experts explore 5G's potential in 2021, including new business and technical territories 5G may explore and features to transform enterprises. Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2020
Top 10 Australia IT stories of 2020
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 Australia IT stories of 2020 Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2020
5G coverage set to reach over half of global population by 2025
Despite 5G deployment still facing various challenges, operators are making progress in addressing major issues Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2020
Cisco reveals intention to acquire Dashbase
Networking tech and services giant gets out the corporate chequebook for the third time in a matter of weeks to buy customer experience and analytics software provider Continue Reading
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News
22 Dec 2020
UK parliamentary committee slams government broadband targets as unrealistic
Report highlights missed targets and overpromising in gigabit infrastructure roll-out and urges government and national regulator to take bolder, faster action to address the causes of costs and delays Continue Reading
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News
22 Dec 2020
Viasat announces $222m RigNet acquisition
Global communications company unveils plans to expand and diversify commercial connectivity portfolio, with purchase of intelligent networking solutions firm to add complementary technology Continue Reading
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News
22 Dec 2020
Top 10 remote working stories of 2020
Here are Computer Weekly’s top 10 remote working stories of 2020 Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
5G roll-outs to continue apace in 2021
New 5G launches will be led by telcos in forerunner markets, but the industry’s near-term outlook will depend on the timing of an economic recovery Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
Openreach announces massive job creation plan for gigabit network deployment
New green fleet for engineers as BT broadband provision aims to create 2,500 new roles in its own organisation and about 2,800 with partners to supporting full-fibre network build-out Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
Gigabit proliferates as UK’s fixed and mobile networks take the strain from Covid
The UK’s fixed and mobile networks take the strain of remote working and increased online entertainment uptake Continue Reading
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18 Dec 2020
Cloud RANs offer promise in APAC, but not in near future
While there is growing interest in cloud-based radio access networks, experts argue that telcos will still cautiously approach the technology in a phased manner. Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2020
CityFibre, PQMS expand network construction training partnership
Former altnet brings online two new training centres in Bury and Pulborough alongside existing site in Coventry Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2020
SSE strengthens Scotland’s digital infrastructure with next-generation connectivity
High-capacity 100Gbps connectivity services delivered into datacentre intended to future-proof Scotland’s businesses and public sector organisations Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2020
EY: Coordinated action vital to meet Gigabit Britain network deployment targets
With gigabit connectivity crucial to supporting the UK’s ‘levelling up’ agenda and plugging the digital divide, an EY study shows half of UK SMEs believe investment in gigabit connectivity is vital for the economic development of their region after Covid-19 Continue Reading
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News
17 Dec 2020
Huge uptick in global 5G deployment across 2020
Although yet to fully accommodate the boost it got from the recent launch of suitably enabled iPhones, the 5G market has enjoyed a strong third quarter, according to data from mobile testing specialist Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2020
Networking infrastructure issues peg back firms adapting to Covid-19 new normal
Survey shows inadequate infrastructure is preventing businesses from meeting challenges around remote working and omni-channel customer demand and holding them back from embracing more innovative technologies Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2020
UK offering relatively poor value for broadband services
Low absolute pricing is among the region’s best, but lower average speeds compared with much of Europe makes the UK one of the continent’s laggards when it comes to broadband value for money Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2020
Singapore employees want more support for remote working
Singapore workers faced challenges in accessing internal company resources, spotty connections and had to use their personal devices for business while working remotely Continue Reading
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News
15 Dec 2020
Ericsson sets sail with enhanced maritime connectivity
Swedish tech provider aims to rectify lack of options for at-sea communications where traditional satellite comms have seen high prices, high latency and low throughput Continue Reading
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Blog Post
15 Dec 2020
Bethlehem placed in Tier 3: Inns closed. Herodian enforcement
A new variant of Covid has been detected among infants in the Bethlehem area. After receiving intelligence from a committee of experts, King Herod has decreed that all hospitality facilities will ... Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2020
Optus teams up with VMware on SD-WAN
Australia’s second biggest telco, Optus, will offer VMware’s SD-WAN solution to enterprises in a highly fragmented market Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2020
Standards alliance adds to membership as NEC opens new Open RAN lab
Japanese tech giant establishes Open RAN laboratory in India to complement centre of excellence in the UK, where Southampton University spin-off joins O-RAN Alliance Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2020
Giffgaff goes AWS to drive operational transformation
UK mobile virtual network operator selects Amazon cloud as part of plan to accelerate innovation and enhance new services Continue Reading
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News
14 Dec 2020
Zoom, Google Meet, TikTok dominate mobile app downloads in 2020
Study from leading analytics firm reveals how 2020’s mobile app arena has been transformed through Covid-19, and how the app providers are setting up for 2021 Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2020
Three UK gears up for 2021 business expansion
UK mobile network operator sets out plans to enhance business proposition over next 12 months, improving connectivity, how it operates and how it interacts with customers Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2020
Aryaka offers hybrid workplaces “risk-free on-ramp” to SASE
New managed secure private access solution claimed to be able to make remote employees “first-class citizens” for corporate applications Continue Reading
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News
11 Dec 2020
Cisco accelerates collaboration with ‘wave’ of Webex enhancements and plans
Reacting to the new normal ahead of all organisations and as part of a major overhaul of its conferencing and collaboration options, network technology and solutions giant unveils Webex portfolio overhaul and intent to buy audience interaction company Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2020
Cato boosts network management with SASE cloud API
GraphQL-based API designed to extract security and networking information globally with a single request allows enterprises to automate provisioning and management of SASE deployments from third-party platforms Continue Reading
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News
10 Dec 2020
Deloitte: Cloud, intelligent edge and telemedicine set to accelerate in 2021
Global market for intelligent edge computing will expand to $12bn in 2021, with more than 400 million video visits to doctors worldwide across the year Continue Reading
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News
09 Dec 2020
Top IT predictions in APAC in 2021
The Asia-Pacific region will continue to be a cradle for technology innovation in the new year, whether it is 5G services, artificial intelligence, cloud computing or cyber security Continue Reading
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News
08 Dec 2020
Remote working issues block path to success for medium-sized businesses
Nearly a third of European workers at mid-sized organisations feel disengaged and unmotivated due to issues with technology while working remotely Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2020
Cisco aims for enhanced engagement with IMImobile acquisition
Network technology and solutions giant makes strategic acquisition of cloud communications software and services provider to embed omnichannel engagement into customer experience-as-a-service Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2020
Nokia to be technology lead for EU 6G project
Finnish comms tech provider is the project leader for European Commission’s flagship initiative for research into the next generation of wireless networks Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2020
Ericsson, TIM, Qualcomm, claim 5G FWA speed milestone
Although fixed wireless access has not yet gained as much publicity as other use cases for the next-generation infrastructure, its potential in connecting those in remote areas to 5G is vast and a consortium of technology vendors and leading Italian operators have established a new throughput benchmark Continue Reading
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News
07 Dec 2020
UK Space Agency awards £7m for space innovation projects
A range of ‘high risk, high reward’ projects have been awarded a total of £7m from the Space Agency’s National Space Innovation Programme, aiming to make the UK a world leader in space technology Continue Reading
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News
04 Dec 2020
FTTH Council Europe slams misleading advertising for fibre networks
Fibre broadband trade body study shows consumers are confused about marketing and performance of broadband-access technologies, recommending a ‘fibre-ready’ label should be introduced for new buildings and major renovations Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2020
Nova casts light on streaming network issues as energy demands soar
So-called industry-first solution brings new revenue opportunities, reduces churn and differentiates offer for video providers as they struggle to cope with energy surge in providing services Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2020
Openreach claims UK first as it moves from copper to full-fibre in Salisbury
Salisbury takes a step closer to becoming the UK’s first ‘fully digital’ city with full-fibre deployment Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2020
IT teams’ challenges ramp up in maintaining high-quality network video experience
Companies providing streaming services have seen huge growth in demand, which has meant providing an optimal user experience while managing surging user traffic Continue Reading
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News
03 Dec 2020
Nokia deploys 5G private networking across five German research centres
Finnish comms tech giant continues roll-out of standalone private 5G network for large-scale implementation across renowned German research institutes Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2020
RingCentral notes unified communications gains with PCCW Global private network
Global infrastructure provider implements private network to enable unified collaboration and contact centre systems firm to augment and scale networks to accommodate rapid growth and spikes in demand Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2020
Comms giants flow to edge of Amazon to boost 5G enterprise, industrial applications
Vodafone and Verizon announce partnerships with cloud giant to offer edge computing for use cases including autonomous vehicles, security, smart cities, healthcare and live interactive video streaming Continue Reading
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News
02 Dec 2020
Three continues UK 5G roll-out
UK operator now offers 5G in 154 towns and cities serviced from over 800 sites across the UK and announces partnership with Ericsson that includes roll-out of 5G and improvements to 4G network Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2020
Zoom revenue bonanza continues into third quarter
Breakout video conferencing firm continues strong run and in third quarter shows ongoing influx of customers Continue Reading
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News
01 Dec 2020
UK government sets out 5G tech diversification strategy
Second reading of the Telecoms Security Bill outlines specific measures to restrict the use of Huawei’s goods, services and facilities in 5G networks and details of the new 5G Supply Chain Diversification Strategy designed to build a resilient, open and sustainable comms tech supply chain Continue Reading
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E-Zine
01 Dec 2020
How retailers are using technology to survive
In this week’s Computer Weekly, with high street retailers struggling to survive, we look at how technology can keep stores relevant. Everyone is focusing on flash storage, but hard disk drives are still an essential part of the IT toolkit. And we examine the latest developments in the ongoing Post Office Horizon IT scandal. Read the issue now. Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2020
UK government ploughs £3m into 5G test facility
Harwell Campus 5G research facility gets financial boost to assist development of advanced communications for terrestrial and satellite-based broadband networks Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2020
Faster-than-predicted growth for 5G with 3.5 billion subs forecast by 2026
Despite uncertainties caused by Covid-19, new research from Ericsson reveals that the pace of introducing new 5G functionality has increased in 2020 Continue Reading
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News
30 Nov 2020
Orange unveils plans for French 5G roll-out
Two years after gaining spectrum for 5G services in its home territory, the mobile network operator reveals first French cities for 5G deployment using 3.5GHz frequencies Continue Reading
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Blog Post
28 Nov 2020
Which suppliers cannot deliver rural broadband by 2025?
The decision to delay over £3 billion of spend is one that deserves "robust" scrutiny by the hundred or so MPs whose parliamentary majorities may depend on improve on-line access to education, ... Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2020
Plymouth to host world’s first 5G ocean-based marine testbed
5G docks at Plymouth Sound with virtualised testing platform designed to put the city at the forefront of marine and maritime innovation Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2020
Ericsson taps into industry momentum for network orchestration and automation
Swedish comms tech provider rides the wave of orchestration and automation systems supporting cloud-native functions and orchestrating services across domains, from the edge to private and public cloud Continue Reading
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News
27 Nov 2020
Linius aims to add magic to video conferencing with Whizzard
New product for the conferencing and enterprise collaboration markets offers the ability to transform hours of video footage into bite-sized pieces of content and increase knowledge sharing Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2020
Broadband access drives New Zealand remote working to be permanent fixture
Covid-19 crisis pushes Kiwis to do more online and the changes are sticking, according to research from ANZ telco and media research and consulting firm Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2020
UK broadband industry ‘confused’ by government funding claims
National broadband suppliers and trade bodies express surprise and lack of enthusiasm for Spending Review claims of providing positive outcome for gigabit roll-out across the country Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2020
Vodafone, Ericsson trial automated flight paths for connected drones
UK fixed and mobile operator and comms technology provider take to the sky to ensure safe passage for drones Continue Reading
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News
26 Nov 2020
Inadequate home internet speeds contribute to ‘digital divide’ during UK lockdown
Survey reveals connectivity speeds are considered inadequate in 30% of properties and over one-third admit to judging the competence of colleagues who have connectivity issues during conferencing sessions Continue Reading
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News
25 Nov 2020
Government’s infrastructure strategy says technology is key
The strategy aims to put innovation and technology at ‘the heart’ of its approach to transforming the country, as government launches new national infrastructure bank Continue Reading
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News
25 Nov 2020
Legacy tech adds to management headaches in dealing with new normal
Concerns raised over post-Covid return to the office, with virtually all C-level leaders admitting to still using offline processes and significant numbers believing their company will prioritise business continuity over safety Continue Reading
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News
25 Nov 2020
Securing UK’s critical national infrastructure is a 2021 priority
Government outlines the UK’s strategic cyber security policies for the coming 12 months, with critical national infrastructure a clear priority Continue Reading
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News
24 Nov 2020
UK telecoms industry gives guarded welcome to Telecommunications Bill proposal
New legislation aims to provide a basis to strengthen the security framework for technology used in 5G and full fibre networks, including the electronic equipment and software at phone mast sites and in telephone exchanges Continue Reading
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News
24 Nov 2020
Vodafone teams with IoT.nxt to take enterprise IoT to new levels
UK operator looks to open up new markets for internet of things growth with a new range of services designed to make it easier for UK businesses to adopt technology to track, monitor and manage assets, giving them data, insight and control Continue Reading
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News
24 Nov 2020
Nokia enables global enterprise IoT connectivity for China Mobile
Comms tech giant and leading Chinese operator reach strategic agreement to provide IoT global connectivity services for both China and international customers based on Worldwide IoT Network Grid managed service, expanding operator’s capability Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2020
Telcos could face huge fines under new security laws
Government boasts of unprecedented powers to boost the security standards of the UK’s critical national infrastructure Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2020
Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5 launches unleash UK network traffic surge
Game console launches show network providers need to upgrade their infrastructure and invest in the latest networking technology to ensure reliable, resilient and robust performance Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2020
OneWeb emerges from bankruptcy, prepares for 17 December launch
UK government and Bharti Global confirmed as new owners of low-cost satellite broadband provider, which emerges from financial woes to eye up commercial connectivity services to the UK and the Arctic region in 2021 Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2020
Zen to offer gigabit broadband over CityFibre networks
Zen Internet becomes former altnet’s third national consumer ISP to offer full-fibre services to consumers with gigabit-speed consumer broadband products Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2020
SITA and Orange Business Services check in for SD-WAN at global airports
Global mobile network operator and IT provider for the air transport industry roll out agile and scalable software-defined network already introduced at more than 60 airports globally Continue Reading
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News
23 Nov 2020
Birmingham, Dudley councils accelerate 5G roll-out
Local authorities say developing fifth-generation mobile network infrastructure is critical to driving economic recovery in the region post-Covid Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2020
Pricing questions persist but Openreach overall observes Ofcom independence mandates
UK communications regulator notes real progress made in implementing its requirements, but more is needed to be done to strengthen broadband provision division independence and engagement Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2020
RCS forecast to deliver $52.2bn for mobile operators by 2028
Inability for digital banner advertising to drive consumer brand engagement will see billions in media spend diverted to RCS brand campaigns, dramatically boosting mobile operator revenues. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2020
Widespread adoption of WBA OpenRoaming on the cards
Cross-industry survey reveals rapid uptake and widespread acceptance of wireless broadband standard announced in May 2020 Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
Global networks take the strain in roller-coaster 2020
Research from network tech provider reveals implications for service providers and internet service delivery chain, with significant growth in video streaming, gaming, video conferencing and DDoS Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
Nokia, Elisa and Qualcomm claim 5G speed record with 8Gbps connectivity in Finland
Combined speeds from two devices hit 8Gbps on a commercial 5G network on mmWave spectrum, showing support for low-latency, high-bandwidth services such as high-speed video downloads and virtual and augmented reality Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
£165m gigabit broadband boost for Northern Ireland
NIE announces connectivity deployment scheme to deliver gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure to more than 76,000 premises in hard-to-reach places across province Continue Reading
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News
19 Nov 2020
5G defies Covid to stay set to transform industries across the board
Despite fears of a halt to development, study sees increased 5G investment during pandemic, with 5G-related investment rising by double digits compared with 2019 forecast and 5G-related jobs set to soar Continue Reading
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News
18 Nov 2020
Huawei claims £3.3bn contribution to UK economy
Extent of communications technology provider Huawei’s positive contribution to the UK economy in terms of cash and jobs has been identified in independent report Continue Reading